Machine compounding or aggressive pol-
ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint
finish may dull the finish or leave swirl
marks.REMOVING SPOTSRemove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects,
and tree sap as quickly as possible from the
surface of the paint to avoid lasting damage or
staining. Special cleaning products are available
at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive accessory
store.UNDERBODYIn areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and caus-
ing underbody and suspension corrosion. Be-
fore the winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.GLASSUse glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film
from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to
become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dow, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based dis-
infectant cleaners. They could damage
the electrical conductors, radio antenna
elements or rear window defroster ele-
ments.ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELSWash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
Do not use a cleaner that uses strong
acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.
Do not apply wheel cleaners to thewheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as
ambient temperature.
Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTSClean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.TIRE DRESSINGNISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
Use a water-based tire dressing. The coating
on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/grooves
Appearance and care
7-3
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements .................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ............................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ................ 8-2
Maintenance precautions ..................................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ............................. 8-7
Engine cooling system.......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................................................. 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil ...................................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter ............................................ 8-11
CVT fluid ................................................................................ 8-12
Power steering fluid ............................................................ 8-12
Brake fluid ............................................................................. 8-13
Window washer fluid.......................................................... 8-14
Battery .................................................................................... 8-14
Jump starting .................................................................. 8-15
Drive belts ............................................................................. 8-16
Spark plugs ........................................................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs.................................................. 8-17
Air cleaner ............................................................................. 8-17Windshield wiper blades ................................................... 8-18
Cleaning ........................................................................... 8-18
Replacing ......................................................................... 8-18
Rear window wiper blade ................................................. 8-20
Brakes .................................................................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear indicators .......................................... 8-20
Fuses ...................................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-23
Battery replacement............................................................ 8-23
Keyfob............................................................................. 8-23
Intelligent Key ................................................................. 8-25
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-26
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights............................................ 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 8-29
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-29
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-36
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-38
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). However, the timing
for tire rotation may vary according to your
driving habits and road surface conditions.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:If the
vehicle should pull to either side while driving on
a straight and level road, or if you detect uneven
or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “TireSafety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified re-
pair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal does
not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mats away from the pedal.
Brake pedal:Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels spongy
or the vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see
a NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism:On a fairly
steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely
with the selector lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.
Parking brake:Check the parking brake op-
eration regularly. The vehicle should be securely
held on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. If the parking brake needs to be
adjusted, see a NISSAN dealer.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks hold securely in all latched positions.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)This vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS). It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. If
equipped, the system also displays pressure of
all tires (except the spare tire) on the display
screen by sending a signal from a sensor that is
installed in each wheel.
The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). Also,
this system may not detect a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example a flat tire while driving).
For more details, refer to “Low tire pressure
warning light” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section, “Tire pressure information” in the
“4. Display screen, heater, air conditioner and
audio systems” section, “Tire pressure monitor-
ing system (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section, and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case
of emergency” section.
SDI1930
Map light
SDI1499A
Ceiling light
SDI1500B
Luggage light
SDI1506B
Vanity mirror light
WHEELS AND TIRES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-29
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
Tire inflation pressureCheck the tire pressures (including the
spare) often and always prior to long
distance trips. The recommended tire
pressure specifications are shown on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label and/or the
Tire and Loading Information label under
the “Cold Tire (Inflation) Pressure” head-
ing. The Tire and Loading Information
label is affixed to the driver side center
pillar. Tire pressures should be checked
regularly because:
Most tires naturally lose air over time.
Tires can lose air suddenly when
driven over potholes or other objects
or if the vehicle strikes a curbwhile
parking.
The tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold. The tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle has
been parked for 3 or more hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at mod-
erate speeds.Incorrect tire pressure, including un-
der inflation, may adversely affect
tire life and vehicle handling.
WARNING
Improperly inflated tires can fail
suddenly and cause an acci-
dent.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing (GVWR) is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label. The
vehicle weight capacity is indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading
Information label. Do not load
your vehicle beyond this capac-
ity. Overloading your vehicle
may result in reduced tire life,
unsafe operating conditions
due to premature tire failure, or
unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to
a serious accident. Loading be-
yond the specified capacity mayalso result in failure of other
vehicle components.
Before taking a long trip, or
whenever you heavily load your
vehicle, use a tire pressure
gauge to ensure that the tire
pressures are at the specified
level.
Do not drive your vehicle over
85 MPH (137 km/h) unless it is
equipped with high speed rated
tires. Driving faster than 85
MPH (137 km/h) may result in
tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury.
For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Impor-
tant Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
8-30
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
3
Original (tire) size: The size of the
tires originally installed on the vehicle
at the factory.
4
Cold tire (inflation) pressure: Inflate
the tires to this pressure when thetires are cold. Tires are considered
COLD after the vehicle has been
parked for 3 or more hours, or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate
speeds. The recommended cold tireinflation is set by the manufacturer to
provide the best balance of tire wear,
vehicle handling, driveability, tire
noise, etc., up to the vehicle’s
GVWR.
5
Tire size — refer to “Tire labeling”
later in this section.
6
Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
SDI1948
8-32
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
Checking the tire pressure1. Remove the valve stem cap from the
tire.
2. Press the pressure gauge squarely
onto the valve stem. Do not press too
hard or force the valve stem sideways,
or air will escape. If the hissing sound
of air escaping from the tire is heard
while checking the pressure, reposi-
tion the gauge to eliminate this leak-
age.3. Remove the gauge.
4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge
stem and compare it to the specifica-
tion shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
5. Add air to the tire as needed. If too
much air is added, press the core of
the valve stem briefly with the tip of the
gauge stem to release pressure. Re-
check the pressure and add or release
air as needed.
6. Install the valve stem cap.
7. Check the pressure of all other tires,
including the spare.
SizeCold Tire
Inflation
Pressure
Front
Original
TireP235/65R18
104T230 kPa
33 psi
Rear
Original
TireP235/65R18
104T230 kPa
33 psi
Spare
TireT165/90D18
107M420 kPa
60 psi
SDI1949
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-33
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0
TIRE LABELINGFederal law requires tire manufacturers
to place standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This information iden-
tifies and describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also pro-
vides the tire identification number (TIN)
for safety standard certification. The TIN
can be used to identify the tire in case of
a recall.
1
Tire size (example: P215/60R16
94H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is de-
signed for passenger vehicles. (Not all
tires have this information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This num-
ber gives the width in millimeters of the
tire from sidewall edge to sidewall
edge.
3. Two-digit number (60): This number,
known as the aspect ratio, gives thetire’s ratio of height to width.
4. R: The “R” stands for radial.
5. Two-digit number (16): This number is
the wheel or rim diameter in inches.
6. Two- or three-digit number (94): This
number is the tire’s load index. It is a
measurement of how much weight
each tire can support. You may not
find this information on all tires be-
cause it is not required by law.
7. H: Tire speed rating. You should not
drive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.
SDI1575
EXAMPLE
SDI1606
EXAMPLE
8-34
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
06.7.5/Z50-D/V5.0